Jokowi visits the Netherlands



JAKARTA. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has ended his week-long European trip by visiting the Netherlands, making it the first state-visit from an Indonesian president in 16 years after late president Abdurrahman Wahid’s visit in 2000.

Jokowi, First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo and the Indonesian delegation arrived at the Hague on Thursday evening, local time. Jokowi and his delegation went to Grand Hotel Amrath Kurhaus and were welcomed by Indonesian citizens standing in line and waving the Indonesian flag. They also spontaneously sang the national anthem, Indonesia Raya, as the President arrived at the hotel.

Jokowi immediately approached the crowd and shook hands and took pictures with the Indonesians.


Jokowi has several points of business in his state visit to the Netherlands, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi said in a press statement.

Jokowi is scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the King of Netherlands and Queen Maxima.

On Friday morning, Jokowi will have a bilateral meeting with PM Rutte to sign several cooperation agreements on research, higher education and the maritime sector.

After the meeting, Jokowi will visit the Port of Rotterdam, one of the oldest and busiest ports in the world.

Moreover, the President will also attend the Indonesia-Netherlands Business Forum at his hotel, where he will meet with 15 chief executive officers of leading Dutch companies.

"In the Business Forum, will sign a number of commitments worth US$601.2 million," Retno said in a statement sent by President’s office.

Jokowi will also visit known Leiden University to meet with Indonesian PhD students. The President will end his trip by visiting the Noordeinde Palace to meet with the King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, and Queen Maxima, before returning to Jakarta.

The delegation is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Saturday afternoon.

Editor: Yudho Winarto